Chris Crutcher's Response to YA Kerfuffle

Although the WSJ started this YA kerfuffle back in early June, Chris Crutcher's response is invaluable. The point that most resonates with me, from my own experiences, is that YA literature gives names to the bad things that can happen to kids which then allows then to talk about it. It's easy to forget that kids who have bad things happen to them, often feel as if it was their fault. YA literature, yes even the darkest of the dark, can empower teens and be the basis for conversations with the adults in their lives.

The Case for Raunchy YA Lit

Raunchy is a strong word used by the author of this article to make a point about the value of, say, realistic fiction for teens. A must-read article, IMHO.

Value of YA Lit

The first sentence alone is the best thing I've read for a long time about YA literature. Definitely worth reading this thoughtful and short essay. 

Book, Movie & Gaming Reviews for Teens

If you ever have parents who are concerned about the "appropriate" content for their teens, this might be a good site toward which to point them. It looks like a voice of reason when it comes to alerting concerned parents about touchy topics and might help them guide their teens more comfortably.

Any feedback would be appreciated----I looked at it briefly and may have missed something.

Thanks.

Interview with Judy Blume

The goddess of YA literature was interviewed on the occasion of Banned Books Week. She's still going strong and her lines at ALA this summer were lengthy and enthusiastic.

Teen Readers Advisory

A good site worth perusing full of good lists for helping teens find just the right book for their tastes, needs and homework assignments.

Ellen Hopkins' blog about the Oklahoma incident

Doncha just love it when some knucklehead does something like this just in time for Banned Books Week?!?

This is Ellen Hopkins' emotional explanation of what happened to her and how it's been resolved. Expect huge crowds at her author visit on Tuesday, September 22 in Norman, Oklahoma!

Stay tuned.

On Being a Good Reader---and Not Screwing It Up for the Rest of Us

Ellen Hopkins, a popular YA author several titles including Crank, Glass and Burned , was recently un-invited from speaking to students in a middle school in Norman OK. Undaunted, she offered to speak instead to the high school students, but the educational leadership caved to the vocal minority. She was not allowed to speak AND her books were removed from the schools' libraries.

I thought this was a thoughtful response from an Oklahoma blogger about the power of literature and the effect it can have on teens. Well worth reading!

Harlequin to Introduce a YA Romance Line

Harlequin to Introduce Teen Romance Line
Dodie Ownes -- School Library Journal, 2/18/2009Is the teen world ready for romance novels? Harlequin is betting on it, and in April August 2009 will be launching its own Harlequin Teen imprint. To help get input from teens, the publisher has set up the online Harlequin Teen Panel, hosted by none other than BFF Quin. Teens need to get parental sign-off before they can participate, but once a membership is approved, the panel will send participants free books and invitations to enter sweepstakes. Harlequin will also be setting up online panel discussions where teens can share their opinions on the books they’re reading with other romance aficionados. Turn your teen readers on to this chance to discuss what makes a good dreamy steamy book!